Next weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway has been renamed the Food City 500 In Support of Steve Byrnes and Stand Up to Cancer.
Byrnes, co-host of NASCAR Race Hub and the play-by-play announcer for NASCAR Camping World Truck races, is on a medical leave of absence while he undergoes treatment for head-and-neck cancer. He has been a part of Fox Sports’ NASCAR broadcast team since 2001.
“The support I have received from my teammates at FOX Sports, drivers, team members, track officials, NASCAR and the fans has been overwhelming,” Byrnes said. “So many families are affected by cancer, and to play a small part in raising awareness is an honor to me.”
Drivers have shown their support in various ways. Casey Mears had Byrnes’ name across the visor of his helmet at Martinsville Speedway. Red Horse Racing also has had Byrnes’ name on the side of its Camping World Trucks. Elliott Sadler is showing his support by having Byrnes’ name on the passenger side of his Xfinity car this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.
Got my buddy @SteveByrnes12 riding with me this weekend in Texas... #heart pic.twitter.com/i61FpWdNTC
— Elliott Sadler (@Elliott_Sadler) April 9, 2015